Taraneh Hashemi is a 56-year-old swimming coach in Tehran, Iran with a very simple open water swimming goal.

“I would like to set a record by being the first female Iranian to swim more than 3000 meters in the open water. I believe I can swim much longer, almost up to 6K and I am ready if the opportunity is available. When I was a child, I used to swim for fun. As I got older, I wanted to be a better swimmer, but I waited until my children grew. I still continued swimming and have been a swimming coach for 17 years. I have not had the opportunity to compete internationally. I am happy to travel anywhere to swim.”

Mrs. Hashemi’s wishes are certainly a feeling that millions of people around the world easily understand.

Copyright © 2010 by Steven Munatones